ISLAMABAD: A prestigious and colourful ceremony was held at the National Press Club (NPC) Islamabad on the occasion of Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day, which was attended by a large number of journalists, their families and people from different walks of life.
The ceremony was marked by national songs, patriotic programmes and a spirit of national unity, which added to the enthusiasm and excitement of the participants.
Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Focal Person Afnan Mishal was the chief guest at the Independence Day ceremony. NPC President Abdul Razzaq Sial, Secretary Dr Farqan Rao, former Adviser to the Chief Minister Punjab Nadeem Ashiq Awan, Pakistan International Human Rights Organisation Chairman Malik Habib Orakzai, former NPC presidents Farooq Faisal Khan and Shehryar Khan, former NPC Vice President Dr Saadia Kamal, Mian Sohail Iqbal, Syed Zaigham Naqvi, Qaiser Mirza, RIUJ Dastoor President Rana Kausar Ali, senior journalists Syed Mohsin Raza, Sarfraz Raja, Hassan Khan, Ashfaq Bangash, Raja Manzoor Shakrani and Mujahid Bhatti, among others, attended the event.
Renowned singers performed national songs during the ceremony, creating a highly patriotic atmosphere. The audience warmly applauded the performances and expressed their love for Pakistan.
A large number of children and families also participated in the celebrations, adding further colour and joy to the event.
Speaking on the occasion, the participants paid tribute to the sacrifices rendered for the independence of Pakistan and said that freedom was a great blessing as well as a national responsibility.
The speakers said that the journalist community would continue playing its role in the development of the country, strengthening democracy, safeguarding freedom of expression and promoting national unity.
They said Pakistan came into being after countless sacrifices and stressed the need to educate the younger generation about the objectives of the creation of Pakistan, the struggle of the country’s founding fathers and their national responsibilities.
During the ceremony, participants waved the national flag and raised enthusiastic slogans of “Pakistan Zindabad,” adding to the festive atmosphere.
The most memorable moment of the celebration came at midnight when a cake was cut to mark the beginning of Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day. The chief guest, NPC office-bearers, senior journalists and other participants jointly cut the cake and exchanged Independence Day greetings.
The ceremony concluded with special prayers for the security, prosperity, progress and stability of Pakistan. The participants also renewed their pledge to play their due role in the development of the country and promotion of national unity.
